Unleashed Dog Park in Lurgan faces an uncertain future due to a planning dispute
The Northern Irish dog community has thrown its support behind a dog park in Co Armagh that is at risk of closure due to a planning dispute.
Unleashed Dog Park in Kilmore was opened by mother and daughter team Eileen and Clare Taylor on a field beside their home in order to give local dog owners a place to take their pets to enjoy some exercise and fun in a safe environment.
But for the past two years it has been fighting for its survival following planning complaints which has the owners spending thousands on noise assessments, consultants and planning fees.
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Best Bark, Northern Ireland’s leading dog-friendly directory, has come out in support of Unleashed and has warned the planning case could set a dangerous precedent for private dog parks and has urged councils, planners, and communities to protect and expand access to secure off-lead dog spaces.
Amée, Founder of Best Bark, said: ““Not every dog can enjoy a busy public park, anxious dogs, rescue dogs, and those with strong prey drives all need controlled, secure areas. These spaces reduce conflict in public parks, protect wildlife, and allow dogs to exercise in a way that’s safe and stress-free for everyone.”
She said that Unleashed is “exactly the kind of facility Northern Ireland needs more of” adding: ““It’s carefully managed by the owners, and it’s the perfect example of how off-lead spaces can work, yet instead of being supported, it’s facing closure because of unproven fears about noise.”
“We’ve submitted a new planning application with an independent Noise Impact Assessment,” explains Eileen. “It confirms what our visitors and neighbours already know, noise here is minimal and well-managed. In four years, we’ve had no upheld noise complaints and no objections from Environmental Health.”
Best Bark warns that the outcome of Unleashed’s planning battle could set a precedent for other private dog parks across Northern Ireland. “Dog ownership is rising, yet safe spaces to exercise them are not,” Amée says. “If we want to avoid conflict in shared green spaces, councils should be working with operators to make secure off-lead areas part of our recreation planning. That means recognising their community value, ensuring reasonable regulation, and supporting their survival.”
For many local dog owners, Unleashed is irreplaceable. “For many of our visitors, Unleashed isn’t just a field, it’s the only place their dog can run free safely,” Eileen says. “We’ve done everything by the book. This isn’t just about us; it’s about protecting a type of facility that’s becoming essential.”
Amée agrees: “We map, promote, and review dog-friendly spaces across Northern Ireland, but secure, private off-lead parks are still rare. If Unleashed closes, it’s not just one park lost. It’s a step backwards for dog welfare and community harmony.”
Eileen and her daughter Clare have launched a Gofundme page in order to raise funds to help deal with the costs associated with their planning application.
If you would like to donate to the appeal you can do so via this link.
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